Eldon "Shorty" Hudson

Eldon “Shorty” Hudson, 91, of Pampa, passed away on August 9, 2024 at his home in Pampa.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Brother Paul Nachtigall, retired minister, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Shorty was born on May 14, 1933 in Pawnee County, Kansas to Charles Lorenzo Hudson and Tabitha Alice Davidson Hudson. He was raised in Kansas and was graduated from Macksville High School in 1951. After graduating, Shorty enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for two years before being discharged. He then started working for Lufkin Industries, a career that lasted 20 years. Shorty married Ruth Pauline Reed on May 30, 1953 in Larned, Kansas. In 1964, they moved to Pampa where Shorty founded Pupco. 

Retirement wasn’t something that interested Shorty, so he decided not to retire. He was making deals just a few weeks before his passing. When Shorty wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening and woodworking, and in his younger years, he also enjoyed golfing. He was an oilfield legend and most everyone in that industry knew who he was.

Shorty was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Pauline Hudson; his parents, Charles and Tabitha Hudson; and three brothers.

He is survived by his two children, Dusty Hudson of Pampa and Giselle Hays and husband Barry of Borger; four grandchildren, Jessica Washer, Jason Hays and wife Lauren, Evan Hays and girlfriend Heather, all of Borger and Marissa Biven and husband David of Los Alamos, New Mexico; three great-grandchildren, Bryn Hays, Annie Ruth Washer, Bret Hays, and Hazel Biven; and several nephews.

Memorials may be sent to the Dove Creek Equine Rescue, 16201 Gordon Cummings Road, Canyon, Texas 79015 or PAWS, PO Box 2095, Pampa, Texas, 79066.